6-Step Guide To Understand Your Kidney Health and Kidney Treatments

The estimated chronic kidney disease prevalence in Kenya is around 6.8%, which makes it a serious concern. The problem bigger than the disease itself is that it is not always detected on time. By the time a patient starts getting major symptoms, it’s already time to visit dialysis centres. 

The only way to prevent things from getting serious is through regular health checkups. Apart from that, some people are at greater risk of getting the disease, and they need more frequent checkups. Let’s dive deeper. 

What Do Your Kidneys Do? 

To make sure clean blood goes to the heart, kidneys filter the blood to remove toxins and wastes to keep the blood clean and free from excess minerals. They release certain hormones that regulate blood pressure and contribute to RBC production. 

When kidneys are not working well, all these functions will be disturbed and you might face the below problems: 

  • Heart disease
  • Increased blood pressure 
  • Nervous issues
  • Weak bones and anaemia
  • Kidney failure 

How To Know You Are At Risk? 

A family history of kidney issues puts you at greater risk of kidney disease. Other major risk factors include a family or personal history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. 

Some other common risk factors include: 

  • Age (60 above) 
  • Low weight during birth
  • Using NSAIDs regularly 
  • Chronic UTI( urinary tract infections) 
  • Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus
  • Kidney stones 

When To See Doctor?

If you are facing difficulty while urinating or the urine colour is abnormal, you need to meet a kidney specialist in Nairobi. Other symptoms include weakness, puffy eyes, fatigue, swelling of the face, hands and other joints. 

Life-saving Kidney Tests

If you are facing symptoms or belong to a high-risk factor group, below are three simple tests to get done. 

  • Blood pressure test
  • Urine test (to test protein in urine) 
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test

Find The Best Renal Units In Kenya

When the condition gets worse, the patient needs artificial filters to clean the blood. We at Nephromed, connect you with safe and hygienic dialysis centres in Nairobi, Kenya

Stay Healthy 

Imagine finding a donor for Kidney transplantation in Nairobi, Kenya. The only way to avoid this from happening is by staying healthy. 

  • Maintain healthy weight 
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat healthily
  • Quit alcohol and smoking 
  • Follow a healthy lifestyle
  • Do yoga or exercise daily 
  • Keep track of your and your family’s medical history 
  • Go for a regular health checkup 

The solution to any problem begins the day you realise what’s wrong. Nephromed is a community built by medical professionals to make you aware. Not only we provide you with information regarding diseases, but also bring you the best healthcare solutions.   

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